Attractions and Places To See around Berfay - Top 4
Best attractions and places to see around Berfay, a small commune in the Sarthe department of the Pays de la Loire region in north-western France, offers a blend of rural charm and historical sites. While Berfay itself is a rural village, the surrounding area provides access to notable landmarks, cultural sites, and natural features. The region is situated within the natural area of Le Perche, characterized by tranquil countryside.
Best attractions and places to see around Berfay
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Last updated: June 29, 2026
Château de Montmirail
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Church of Our Lady of the Assumption of Montmirail
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Notre-Dame Church
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Saint Peter's Church
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Composed of a central nave ending at the apse with a straight wall pierced by an ogival window, and accompanied by side aisles at the end of one of which rises the 58 meter bell tower. The four upper bays are from the 15th century. The church being too small at the end of the 15th century, it was extended by three bays representing approximately 14 m of floor space. The Renaissance facade offers a beautiful sculpted door from the 16th century depicting four scenes from the life of the Holy Virgin, attributed by Abbot Froger to the sculptor Guillaume Le Houx (holly garland, cornucopias and his initials M.G.L.H.).
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It was Saint Thuribe in the 5th century who dedicated the oratory that preceded the current church to Saint Pierr. Tradition reports that Saint Thuribe, Bishop of Le Mans, ordained on September 30, 490, came to preach Christianity in the region of Saint-Calais where he dedicated other oratories to Saint Peter. In Berofacium (Berfay), he would have "gone down" to a certain Gaïanus, holder of property or exercising military command. The roussard stone buttresses and the walled semi-circular bay bear witness to 11th or 12th century architecture. The Saint Pierre church was originally supposed to consist of a simple nave extended by a straight apse. Like many churches in the surrounding area, it was redeveloped in the 16th century (addition of the north side aisle) and restored around 1876, with the addition of the south side aisle. The work was carried out thanks to a bequest from Mrs. Mercent to the factory, an organization responsible at the time for managing the church's property. The exterior walls were re-coated in 1924.
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The Romanesque nave is the oldest part of the church. The choir has a stone vault with ribbed ribs, divided into two bays, in the upper part of the main altar. The stained glass window is from the beginning of the 16th century, it represents the marriage, in 1505, of Marie de Melun and John of Bruges with, behind the two figures, Saint John and the Virgin. The Gothic style sink dates from the 16th century, with a main shelf hollowed out by two round bowls. On the sides are two columns with small carved capitals. In 1625, addition of a side nave. In the 19th century, construction of the castle chapel and the sacristy, then modification of the choir. In 1505 John of Bruges had the choir rebuilt for his wedding. The Notre-Dame de l'Assomption church dates from various periods. The church was built in the 15th and 16th centuries. Originally dependent on the bishopric of Chartres, the parish of Montmirail was only attached to the bishopric of Le Mans in 1801.
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The castle of Montmirail is a striking example of the castles of the region. The good news is that you can stay there if you wish, as the castle is now open to the public as a hotel. Make it a weekend run or just appreciate its beauty as you pass by.
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with water point and wc nearby! by bike it's always practical!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I visit near Berfay?
The region around Berfay is rich in history. You can explore the medieval character of La Ferté-Bernard (23 km away) or visit Lavardin (29 km away), designated as a 'Most Beautiful Village' with its ancient bridge and historic castle. Vendôme (32 km away) is a 'town of art and history' with numerous preserved historical monuments. Closer to Berfay, consider visiting Château de Montmirail, a striking example of the region's castles.
Are there any notable churches or religious buildings to see?
Yes, several significant religious buildings are located near Berfay. In Berfay itself, you can visit Saint Peter's Church, which features architectural elements from the 11th or 12th century, including roussard stone buttresses. Another notable site is Notre-Dame Church, known for its Renaissance facade and a beautifully sculpted door from the 16th century. The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption of Montmirail also features a Romanesque nave and 16th-century stained glass.
What natural features or parks are there to explore?
Berfay is situated within the natural region of Le Perche, which is part of the Perche Regional Natural Park. This park offers tranquil countryside and opportunities for outdoor activities. The area around Beaumont-sur-Sarthe (54 km away) is also known for its natural landscape. While Berfay itself is rural, the surrounding region provides access to beautiful natural settings.
What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
The area around Berfay offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, with options ranging from easy to difficult, such as the 'Étang de la Fenderie loop from Vibraye' or the 'Château de la Cour loop from Souday'. For cyclists, there are road cycling routes like the 'Saint John the Baptist Church – Château de Montmirail loop from Vibraye'. Runners can also find trails, including a 'Running loop from Semur-en-Vallon'. You can explore more routes in the dedicated guides for Hiking around Berfay, Road Cycling Routes around Berfay, and Running Trails around Berfay.
Are there family-friendly attractions near Berfay?
Yes, the region offers attractions suitable for families. The Château de Montmirail is considered family-friendly and offers a fascinating historical experience. Additionally, exploring the medieval towns like La Ferté-Bernard or the natural landscapes of the Perche Regional Natural Park can be enjoyable for all ages.
What are some notable gardens in the broader region?
For those interested in gardens, the broader region features several remarkable options. These include the Jardins du château de Poncé (27 km away), Jardin du domaine de Sasnières (33 km away), and Jardin d'atmosphère du Petit Bordeaux (44 km away). Further afield, you can visit Le pré Catelan (50 km away) and the Parc et jardins du château du Lude (59 km away), which is associated with one of the closest Loire châteaux.
What is the best time to visit the attractions around Berfay?
The Perche Regional Natural Park and the surrounding attractions are generally pleasant to visit during the spring, summer, and early autumn months. During these seasons, the weather is typically mild, making it ideal for exploring historical sites, enjoying outdoor activities, and appreciating the natural beauty of the countryside and gardens.
Where can I find accommodation near the attractions?
The Château de Montmirail offers accommodation, allowing visitors to stay directly within a historic castle. For other options, nearby towns like La Ferté-Bernard (23 km away) and Vendôme (32 km away) provide a range of accommodations, from hotels to guesthouses, suitable for exploring the wider region.
Are there any easy hiking trails suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, there are easy hiking options available. For instance, the 'Étang de la Fenderie loop from Vibraye' is an easy 6.8 km trail, and the 'Lac de Saint-Calais loop from Saint-Calais' is an easy 2 km route. These trails are great for those looking for a gentle walk. You can find more details on these and other routes in the Hiking around Berfay guide.
What is Le Mans known for, and how far is it from Berfay?
Le Mans is approximately 42 km from Berfay and is famous for its car race. Beyond motorsports, it features a protected historical center, the Abbaye de l'Epau (37 km from Berfay), and the impressive Cathédrale Saint Julien (42 km from Berfay), offering significant historical and cultural attractions.
Can I visit any Loire châteaux from Berfay?
Yes, one of the closest Loire châteaux is the Château du Lude, located about 59 km from Berfay. It is known for its beautiful gardens and offers a glimpse into the grand architecture of the Loire Valley. Blois (62 km away) also boasts the impressive Château de Blois, along with a rich historical experience.
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